Vettel fastest on Day 1 of F1 tyre test despite hitting wall

Sebastian Vettel has topped the first day of Formula 1’s post-season tyre test at Yas Marina despite spinning into a wall midway through.

Vettel held the fastest lap before being eclipsed by Valtteri Bottas during the morning, but reclaimed top spot with a 1:36.812s in the afternoon.

The German had spun at Turn 1 and backed his Ferrari into the wall in the third hour of proceedings, causing rear wing damage, but was able to drive back to pit lane and improve his personal best later in the nine-hour test day.

Bottas did not go any faster in the afternoon but remained second in his Mercedes with a time 0.419s slower than Vettel’s benchmark.